Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a strong critique of the tenures of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife, Rabri Devi, asserting that their leadership dragged Bihar backwards. In an exclusive interview, Shah emphasized the stark contrast between Bihar's past and present, pointing to a significant decline in law and order during their rule.
Addressing rallies in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, Shah accused Lalu and Rabri of plunging the state into a state of "jungle raj". He claimed that during their regime, which spanned from 1990 to 2005, Bihar witnessed a surge in violence, with political protection afforded to criminal elements. Shah stated that industries and businesses were forced to shut down, while kidnapping and extortion became rampant. According to Shah, over 32,000 kidnappings and 12 major massacres occurred in Bihar during the Lalu-Rabri era.
Shah contrasted this period with the subsequent governance of Nitish Kumar, who, in alliance with the BJP, is credited with restoring law and order. He highlighted a significant reduction in murders, dacoities, and kidnappings under Kumar's leadership. Shah also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership at the national level, asserting that every rupee is being spent for the welfare of the poor.
Shah urged voters to support the NDA, emphasizing that each vote would contribute to Bihar's development under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi. He cautioned against the return of "jungle raj," which he believes the RJD is attempting to bring back with a new face. Shah also attacked the Congress party and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of corruption and insulting religious sentiments. He referenced an incident where Gandhi allegedly insulted the Chhath Puja festival, attributing it to his "maternal home" in Italy and a lack of understanding of Indian culture.
Shah's remarks come as the political atmosphere in Bihar intensifies ahead of the Assembly elections. The NDA is seeking to retain power, while the RJD-led opposition is hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. The election is being framed as a battle between good governance and "jungle raj," with both sides attempting to sway voters with promises of development and security. Shah asserted that the NDA's Sankalp Patra for Bihar is the blueprint for the state's holistic development. He also claimed that the INDIA bloc will be "wiped out" in Bihar, as people will "take revenge" for perceived insults to religious figures and the Prime Minister's mother.
